Green Bathroom Remodeling Tips

Green remodeling is becoming more and more popular everyday.  More homeowners are interested in ways to make their bathroom remodeling project "green".  How exactly can you make a bathroom remodeling project "green"? Well, there are many options when it comes to green bathroom remodeling.  Green bathroom  remodeling can help improve energy efficiency, use less water, reduce indoor air pollution, and makes use of recycled materials.

When a bathroom remodeling project starts, typically it starts with the demolition phase which is where the entire bathroom is gutted.  Instead of calling it "demolition", where a lot of the materials find there way to the landfill, we choose to call it "deconstruction", which focuses on recycling and reusing existing materials.  Habitat for Humanity is a great place to donate building materials.  Remember that, "one person's trash is another person's treasure". As you remove the existing bathroom materials, you can evaluate for water damage or possible mold.  Moisture control and mold prevention is very important when it comes to creating a healthier indoor environment.  Many old bathrooms have poor ventilation and some bathrooms have wallpaper on the walls.  Wallpaper in moisture areas is a huge problem for mold growth.  If there is poor ventilation or wallpaper in the existing bathroom, this is a great time to remove the existing drywall and install moisture resistant drywall.  If the drywall is removed, this is also a great time to evaluate any exterior walls (if any) and upgrade the existing insulation.

    Some green plumbing tips for your bathroom remodeling project consists of conserving water and improving hot water efficiency.  One of the easiest and most cost effective ways to improve your hot water efficiency is to install a water heater insulation jacket.  This can significantly reduce standby losses of your water heater.  Other ways to improve hot water efficiency is insulating hot water pipes.  Sometimes this is hard in existing spaces, but if the hot water pipes are in unfinished spaces, this is a great time to insulate the hot water pipes to reduce heat loss.  Another option is to replace your water heater with a tankless water heater.  Water is heated as it flows through the heater so there are no standby losses as in a water heater with a tank.  This could result in significant energy savings despite the initial high cost of a tankless water heater.  Reducing the overall use of water is also very important.  This can be done by installing low-flow shower heads/faucets and  toilets that reduce the amount of water that is flushed.  Federal regulations require that toilets consume no more than  1.6 gallons per flush (gpf).  There are several options on the market today, such as high efficiency toilets that use much less water per flush.  Many toilets today are designed with pressure assisted technology which can reduce the toilet to as low as 1 to 1.28 gallons per flush.  They also have the option of a dual flush toilet that can greatly reduce water use.  WaterSense is an EPA-sponsored partnership program that helps consumers identify water efficient products.  Look for products that contain the WaterSense label for a high performing product that can help you save money.


Lighting for a bathroom is very important.  The lighting design in a bathroom should include ambient and task lighting.  For ambient lighting and vanity lighting, fluorescent or LED lighting is the best option for energy savings.  Fluorescent bulbs are more energy efficient and last ten times longer than the inefficient incandescent bulbs.  LED lighting is the lighting of the future and outlasts most current lighting.  The initial cost for LED lighting is higher but will be saved in the long run because of its long life span.  LED lights are highly recommended for task lighting versus the inefficient incandescent lighting.  Recess lighting is very popular today and can also be installed in a bathroom.  If installing recess ambient lighting, be sure it is sealed air-tight and is insulation compatible.  An air tight light fixture will prevent heat loss through the attic and insulation compatible is designed for direct contact with insulation.  Any lighting installed in a shower or wet areas must be a water resistant light.  A great way to control energy usage in a bathroom is to install separate switches for each lighting, so you only use the lighting that you need at one time.  Dimmer switches are also a good way to control energy usage.

Daylighting is the best way to reduce energy usage.  Large windows, skylights, and solar tubes are great ways to add natural light into a bathroom.  Natural light is good for your health and can help reduce energy bills.  One important thing to remember is that not all windows and skylights are created equal.  You must be sure you install an energy efficient window and ensure that it is installed properly, or you could end up with water problems or major air leakage.  Vinyl windows are good options in bathrooms versus wood, because wood is susceptible to rot.  When installing a skylight, at a minimum it should contain low-e glass.  Solar tubes are actually a more energy efficient option and typically less expensive.

As we have mentioned earlier, moisture control is very important with a bathroom.  A bathroom can cause a lot of moisture in the air, and you want to ensure that the moisture is vented properly.  Many older homes have a window for ventilation, but that is not adequate.  Most people do not open the window if it is freezing outside.  Therefore, these older bathrooms tend to develop mold and create moisture problems.  The best way to control moisture in a bathroom is to install an exhaust fan that is appropriately sized for your bathroom.  You want to select an exhaust fan that is energy efficient and has low sone (not noisy).  A great way to get the best use of an exhaust fan is to install a timer switch to the fan.  This prevents the exhaust fan from being left on and wasting energy, but it also helps you keep the exhaust fan on for 15-20 minutes after you have showered to control the moisture level.  When installing an exhaust fan, make sure that it is ducted to the outside to keep the moisture out of the bathroom and the attic space.  Never duct the exhaust fan to the attic because this could create major moisture and mold problems in the attic in the future.


Improving indoor air quality is a key aspect of green remodeling.  One way to control air quality is to monitor the finishes that are installed in a bathroom.  Bathroom finishes should be water resistant, long-lasting, and healthy.  The best option for cabinets in a bathroom is solid wood cabinets.  You want to avoid the particle board and MDF constructed cabinets that off gas formaldehyde.  The best wood cabinets to use are FSC-certified, contain low-VOC, and have a water-based wood finish.  Ceramic tile is a good choice for the bathroom floor and shower/tub walls.  Ceramic tile is water-resistant, washable, and a very durable product. Another option for shower/tub walls is some type of natural stone or a synthetic material.  It is very important to use low-solvent adhesives to minimize the toxins in the indoor environment when installing these materials.  The best paint finishes to use is low-VOC or no VOC paints.  These types of paints reduce the amount of volatile organic compounds that are off gassed during the application.

These are just a few ideas for your next green bathroom remodeling project.  Green remodeling is all about building to last longer, creating a healthier indoor environment, conserving energy and water usage, reducing material wastage, and utilizing recycled materials and natural resources.

If you would like to learn more about green remodeling or meet with a Green Certified Professional about your project, please contact us at (703)444-3127 or fill out our online form.

Michael Rendon, CGP
Rendon Remodeling & Design, LLC

Spring Home Maintenance Tips

The cold weather has slowly gone away. Spring is now here and the sun is coming out, at least when it's not raining. So it's time to get out and get your home ready for the Spring. Here are some home maintenance tips to get your home ready for the Spring:

• Inspect the exterior trim for deterioration. Exterior wood trim can rot over time and create a habitat for insects. Be sure to repair or replace to prevent further damage.
• Inspect roof from the ground to ensure it was not damaged during the winter. Missing shingles or water leaks are a sign that you may have to budget for a new roof if you roof is older.
• Check gutters and downspouts to ensure they are attached and working properly. Be sure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and the downspouts drain water away from the house.
• Turn the water on to the outside faucets and inspect for freeze damage and make sure they work correctly.
• Have a licensed heating and cooling contractor service and clean the outside air conditioning unit and be sure it is working correctly. Make sure the interior filter is replaced.
• Inspect and clean the clothes dryer and stove hood vent.
• Trim branches and shrubs that may touch your home to prevent easy access for water and bugs into your home.
• Inspect caulking around windows, doors, and other penetrations to the house. Seal and caulk where necessary to keep moisture and insects out of the home.
• Ensure the grading around your house drains away from the house to prevent the possibility of major water damage in your basement.
• Termites tend to colonize in the Spring. It is a great time for a termite inspection from a termite control professional. Environmental Termite & Pest Control Services, LLC in northern Virginia can take care of your termite and pest control needs.
• Check to make sure lawn sprinkler heads are working correctly and do not spray directly on the house.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, Rendon Remodeling & Design can help!  Just call us at (703)444-3127 or contact us online.

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Benefits of Having a Screened Porch on Your Home

Have you ever thought of adding a screened porch to your house, but are not sure if it is a great idea or not?  Rendon Remodeling & Design who serves the northern Virginia area is going to give you some great information about screened porches and the benefits of having one on your home.

There are many benefits to adding a screened porch to your home.  It creates a great space to enjoy the outdoors without all the insects and bugs constantly bugging you.  In addition to being pest free, a screened porch will shelter you from the harsh elements of mother nature such as a rainy day or the blazing sun on a hot day.  Enjoying your time in a covered screened porch on a hot day will keep you cooler inside the porch than outside the porch, and you will appreciate the nice cool breeze.

When you build your new screened porch, you will have to consider the natural light that you will lose in the room behind the porch.  A great way to bring in more natural light is adding skylights.  Adding skylights and additional artificial lighting is a great way to brighten up the area.

Another consideration is the temperature on those hot summer days.  Living in northern Virginia, the humidity levels can get extremely high and sometimes with no breeze at all.  This creates an uncomfortable feeling outside.  A great way to make your screened porch more comfortable and create air movement is to add a ceiling fan.  Depending on the size of your screened porch, you may need more than one ceiling fan to create enough air circulation.

One of the greatest benefits of a screened porch is all the enjoyable activities.  A covered porch is a great place to entertain with friends and family.  It is also a great place to spend some quiet relaxing time.  You can just relax and enjoy the peaceful nature in your backyard.  This is a great getaway to read, sew, sleep, or just relax in a peaceful environment.  In addition to a great place to entertain and relax, it becomes a safe and fun play area for the kids.  The kids don't have to be trapped inside on a rainy day if they have a nice screened porch to play on.

There are many benefits for families to enjoy a screened porch.  It also adds value to your home and is great for resale if you ever decide to put your house on the market.  Not only does a screened porch add value to your home and add wonderful curb appeal, it will add great value to your families lifestyle by providing a cozy shelter to relax and enjoy.

Rendon Remodeling & Design can help you design and build your new screened porch.  If you are interested in learning more or would like to schedule a free consultation, please fill out our online contact form or call us at (703)444-3127.